AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Thorens Turntables 2026
The top pick is Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut ($4,467). Thorens TD 101 A black gives you the most for the money at $445. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size12"
- Weight11 kg
The Thorens TD 1601 TP 160 walnut is a beautifully crafted, high-performance turntable built on a solid foundation of Thorens’ legacy. It’s perfect for serious vinyl listeners who value a classic aesthetic and refined sound quality, offering excellent detail retrieval and a warm, inviting character. This is a turntable you’ll want to keep around for a long time.
Pros
- Walnut plinth provides exceptional resonance damping and visual appeal.
- Sub-chassis isolation system minimizes external vibrations effectively.
- Internal strap drive ensures consistent speed and minimizes wow/flutter.
Cons
- Premium-priced, positioning it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
- Manual operation may require a learning curve for some users.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,467 now$4,467€3,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight4.2 kg
The TD 204 walnut is a fantastic entry point into vinyl, offering a warm, engaging sound and a beautifully crafted walnut plinth. It's perfect for someone building a first system or looking for a reliable, ready-to-play turntable with a touch of classic Thorens charm – not a serious audiophile’s endgame, but a joy to use.
Pros
- Solid walnut plinth offers excellent vibration damping and a premium feel.
- The Audio-Technica AT95E provides a surprisingly detailed and balanced sonic signature.
- Thorens TP 120 tonearm is well-balanced and allows for cartridge upgrades.
Cons
- The acrylic dust cover can be prone to scratching with regular use.
- Limited upgrade paths compared to more modular, higher-end turntables.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$780 · Aug 17$759 now$759€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight5.8 kg
This Thorens is a really solid entry point into vinyl, especially for someone wanting a hassle-free, ready-to-go setup. The direct drive is surprisingly smooth and the AT-VM95E cartridge sounds quite good for the price point – a great choice for casual listeners and those building their first system.
Pros
- Smooth direct drive offers consistent speed and effortless cueing.
- Pre-mounted Audio Technica AT-VM95E delivers detailed, balanced sound.
- Carbon tonearm provides low resonance and accurate tracking.
Cons
- High-gloss finish is a fingerprint magnet and can feel a bit plasticky.
- Limited upgrade path for tonearm and cartridge compared to higher-end models.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$859 · Aug 17$848 now$848€759 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.2 kg
This turntable lets you start playing immediately without extra steps. It feels sturdy thanks to its heavy aluminum platter and strong motor. While it needs an external power brick, the included Ortofon cartridge and SME arm offer great sound quality right out of the box. It fits well in a small space and works for both new DJs and collectors.
Pros
- Ready to play straight out of the box
- Solid 1.4 kg aluminum platter for stability
- High-quality Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge included
Cons
- Requires external 12V DC power supply
- Lacks built-in speed control or pitch adjustment
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 15Sep 15$1,451 now$1,451€1,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight5.4 kg
The Thorens TD 101 A is a great entry point into vinyl for folks who want the classic experience without the fuss. It's beautifully simple, sounds surprisingly good thanks to the AT-3600, and the fully automatic nature makes it perfect for someone just starting out or wanting a nostalgic, hands-off vibe.
Pros
- Solid die-cast aluminum platter provides excellent stability and damping.
- Integrated phono preamp simplifies setup for beginners and casual listeners.
- Audio Technica AT-3600 cartridge delivers a surprisingly detailed and balanced sound.
Cons
- The included AT-3600 cartridge is entry-level; an upgrade will significantly improve sound.
- Limited speed options (33 1/3 and 45 rpm) restrict versatility for DJs or serious collectors.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7.9 kg
The Thorens TD 1500 walnut HG is a beautifully crafted record player that leans towards the audiophile side of things. It’s a fantastic choice for someone who values sound quality and build elegance over DJ-centric features; the Ortofon cartridge brings a richness that's really enjoyable for classic albums and vocal tracks.
Pros
- Solid die-cast aluminum plinth provides exceptional vibration damping
- Ortofon 2M Bronze delivers a detailed, warm, and balanced sonic signature
- Balanced XLR outputs offer superior signal transfer for high-end systems
Cons
- Relatively heavy build makes placement and transport more challenging
- High-gloss walnut finish is susceptible to fingerprints and smudging
46AudioFu
Index↓ 5.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,232 · Aug 17$2,120 now$2,120€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Turntables by the numbers
Measured across all 62 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,451 — half of all turntables here cost less.
median of 48 models · 0.55 kg–11.7 kg
median of 16 models · 7"–12"
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 9 turntables from the Thomann catalogue (of 62 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What should I look for when buying turntables?
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
How much should I spend on turntables?
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Are expensive turntables worth the investment?
Higher-priced turntables typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
What are the best brands for turntables?
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Should I buy turntables online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
